The Browns have a quarterback problem.

Starter Deshaun Watson has been a disappointment since he was signed by the Houston Texans for three first-round draft picks and signed a $230 million contract with all the money guaranteed. When he’s not injured – he’s currently out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon – he’s been ineffective.

But the Browns remain committed to Watson. He counts nearly $73 million against the salary cap next year and the team still owes him about $92 million guaranteed.

With so much money going to Watson, backup Jameis Winston could decide to leave Cleveland as a free agent. The Browns signed Winston to a one-year contract worth up to $8.7 million in March.

As of Monday night’s game, Winston has played in nine games for the Browns this season. He completed 62.2 percent of his passes for 1,266 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions. In the four games he has started, the 3-8 Browns have a 2-2 record.

Even though he’s only 30 years old, he should be able to rake in well over $8.7 million.

This could lead to the Browns looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft in April. ESPN reporter Adam Schefter said ahead of Monday’s game that this should be the case.

“You can’t sign an expensive quarterback because the money is for Deshaun Watson,” Schefter said before the game. “Sometime in April they will identify, find and sign a quarterback who not only can play but is on a rookie contract and will give them some salary cap relief.”

Schefter detailed how the Denver Broncos, Cleveland’s opponent on Monday night, made the same move. They still owe Russell Wilson a ton of guaranteed money even though he’s now with the Pittsburgh Steelers. They took quarterback Bo Nix in the first round this year.

Who are the top quarterback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft?

Nix was the sixth quarterback selected this year, going 12th overall.

Could the Browns be in the same situation in a few months? If so, you should know the names Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Miami’s Cam Ward and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe

Browns 2025 draft picks

Cleveland has the following picks in the 2025 draft:

• Round 1

• Round 2

• Round 3

• Round 3 (from Buffalo)

• Round 4

• Round 6

• Round 6 (from Chicago)

• Round 6 (from Minnesota)

This article originally appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal: Browns should take QB in 2025 NFL Draft, ESPN insider says